Colin Mayes is the chair of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the aforementioned committee. He is also a member of the Liaison Committee and the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.

Mayes was the subject of minor controversy when it was reported he had responded to a privately e-mailed racist joke with the comment "good joke".[1]

Mayes voiced his support for private member's bill, motion 312, which would have Canada reexamine at what point human life begins.[2]